Well After 50

Tag: Hair Health

  • Thinning Hair After 50? What Actually Works (and What’s a Waste of Money)

    Thinning Hair After 50? What Actually Works (and What’s a Waste of Money)

    I’ll be honest with you: this one is personal. My hair has been thinning too, so when I started digging into what actually helps, I wasn’t just researching for a blog post. I wanted answers for myself.

    And here’s what I found. There’s a lot of noise out there: gummies, oils, shampoos and gadgets all promising thick hair again. But only a handful of treatments have real evidence behind them. The good news? Those few actually do work for a lot of people, men and women, if you start early and stick with them.

    The short answer

    • Get checked first. Low iron, thyroid problems and some medications can cause thinning, and fixing them can help.
    • Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) is the best-proven treatment for both men and women.
    • Men: finasteride, a prescription pill, is one of the strongest options.
    • Give it time. Most treatments take 3 to 6 months to show results, and you have to keep using them.
    • Skip the biotin gummies unless a doctor finds you’re actually low.

    Why hair thins after 50

    Thinning hair isn’t one single problem, and that’s why there’s no single fix. These are the most common reasons:

    • Pattern hair loss. The most common cause by far, in men and women. Hair follicles slowly shrink and grow thinner, shorter hairs. In men it usually shows at the temples and crown. In women it usually shows as a widening part.
    • Menopause. Hormone shifts can trigger extra shedding and speed up pattern thinning. VCU Health experts say 40% to 60% of women notice hair loss during menopause.
    • Aging itself. With age, follicles respond differently to hormones, nutrients and blood flow, so hair naturally gets sparser.
    • Shedding after a shock to the system. Surgery, illness, a big stress, rapid weight loss or a new medication can cause a wave of shedding a few months later. Doctors call it telogen effluvium. The good news: it usually grows back.
    • Health problems. Low iron, thyroid disease and celiac disease are worth ruling out, especially for women.
    • How you treat your hair. Tight ponytails, braids, harsh dyes and lots of heat can damage hair over time.

    Not sure if you’re shedding or truly losing hair? The American Academy of Dermatology explains the difference, and it matters, because shedding often stops on its own.

    Step 1: Rule out the fixable causes

    Before you spend a dime on products, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can check your iron stores (ferritin), thyroid and vitamin levels. Ask too whether any of your medications could be playing a part. If something’s off, treating it can slow the thinning and sometimes help hair come back. It’s the cheapest step, and the one most people skip.

    Treatments that actually work

    These have the strongest evidence, according to a 2023 medical review of hair loss treatments.

    1. Minoxidil (Rogaine and store brands): for men and women

    This is the one to know. It’s FDA-approved, sold over the counter, and works for both men and women. You apply the liquid or foam to your scalp. Men can use the 5% liquid or foam. Women can use the 2% liquid or the 5% foam. Store brands work the same as name brands and cost less.

    What to expect: results usually start showing after 2 to 4 months, and the best results come around 4 months and beyond. Many people shed a little more in the first few weeks. That’s normal and means it’s working. The catch is that you have to keep using it. If you stop, the new growth fades.

    2. Finasteride: for men

    Finasteride is a daily prescription pill that’s FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss, and it has some of the strongest evidence for men. It works by blocking the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Results build over about a year.

    Be aware: some men get sexual side effects or mood changes, so talk it through with your doctor. It’s not used by women who could become pregnant, because it can cause birth defects.

    3. Low-dose minoxidil pills: a newer option

    More dermatologists now prescribe minoxidil as a small daily pill instead of a scalp liquid. It’s easier than applying something twice a day, and a systematic review found it can help both men and women. It’s prescription only and used off-label, and it can cause extra hair growth on the face or body and swelling in the ankles. This is one to discuss with a dermatologist, especially if you take blood pressure medicine.

    4. Spironolactone: for women

    For women with pattern hair loss, doctors sometimes prescribe spironolactone, a pill that blocks hormones linked to thinning. It’s off-label, takes at least 6 months to judge, and needs a doctor to check your blood pressure and potassium.

    5. Red light (laser) caps and combs: for men and women

    Low-level laser devices, caps, helmets and combs that shine red light on your scalp, have FDA clearance and decent evidence, especially as an add-on to minoxidil. They’re pricey up front and need regular use. If you’re curious about red light in general, I wrote about whether red light therapy really works after 50.

    6. Hormone therapy around menopause

    For some women, hormone replacement therapy may slow menopause-related hair loss. It’s a bigger decision with other pros and cons, so it’s a conversation for your doctor. More in my post on managing menopause after 50.

    Treatments with some promise

    • PRP (platelet-rich plasma): your own blood is spun down and injected into your scalp. Results look encouraging, but the studies are small and the treatments are expensive and not standardized.
    • Microneedling: tiny needles on the scalp, used alongside minoxidil, may boost results. Evidence is early, so have it done professionally or ask a dermatologist before trying it at home.
    • Rosemary oil: it went viral for a reason. In a 2015 study of 100 people, rosemary oil worked about as well as 2% minoxidil after six months, with less scalp itching. That’s interesting, but it’s one small study, and it was compared to the weaker strength of minoxidil. If you want to try it, dilute it in a carrier oil and patch-test first.

    What’s mostly a waste of money

    • Biotin gummies and “hair vitamins.” Unless you’re actually deficient, which is rare, extra biotin isn’t likely to help. Worse, high-dose biotin can throw off lab results. The FDA has warned that it can cause falsely low results on a heart attack test. If you take it, tell your doctor before any blood work.
    • “Thickening” shampoos that promise regrowth. They can make hair look fuller for the day, which is nice, but they don’t grow new hair.
    • Anything promising fast results. Real hair growth takes months. A product promising thick hair in two weeks is selling you a story.

    Everyday habits that help your hair

    • Eat enough protein. Hair is made of protein. Here’s how much protein you need after 50.
    • Go easy on your hair. Skip tight styles, keep heat low, and use gentle shampoo and conditioner.
    • Don’t crash diet. Losing weight fast can trigger shedding months later.
    • Protect your scalp from the sun. As hair thins, your scalp is more exposed. Wear a hat outdoors.
    • Get a cut that works with your hair. A good stylist can make thinning hair look fuller in one visit. Shorter, layered cuts often help.

    When to see a doctor or dermatologist

    • Your hair is coming out in clumps or patches
    • Your scalp is itchy, painful, red or scaly
    • You also feel unusually tired, cold or have other new symptoms
    • The thinning is getting worse quickly
    • You want to try prescription options

    Starting early matters. Most treatments are better at holding on to the hair you have than at bringing back hair that’s been gone for years.

    Common Questions

    How do I stop my hair from thinning after 50?
    Start by seeing your doctor to rule out low iron, thyroid problems or medication side effects. Then the best-proven treatment for most men and women is minoxidil. Men can also ask about finasteride. Give any treatment at least 3 to 6 months.

    Can thinning hair grow back after 50?
    Often, yes, at least partly. Shedding from stress or illness usually grows back on its own. With pattern hair loss, treatment works best at slowing thinning and regrowing some hair, especially if you start early.

    What is the best treatment for thinning hair in women over 50?
    Minoxidil has the strongest evidence for women. Doctors may also suggest spironolactone, a laser device, or hormone therapy around menopause. A checkup for iron and thyroid comes first.

    What is the best treatment for thinning hair in men over 50?
    Minoxidil and finasteride, often used together, have the strongest evidence. Talk to your doctor about side effects before starting finasteride.

    Does rosemary oil really work for hair growth?
    One small 2015 study found it worked about as well as 2% minoxidil after six months. That’s promising, but more research is needed. It’s not a proven replacement for minoxidil.

    Does biotin help thinning hair?
    Only if you’re actually deficient, which is uncommon. High doses can also interfere with some blood tests, so tell your doctor if you take it.

    My take

    Thinning hair can hit your confidence harder than people admit. I get it. But after looking at the research, I feel a lot better knowing there are real options, and that most of the expensive “miracle” stuff can stay on the shelf. Get checked, pick a proven treatment, give it a fair six months, and take care of the hair you have.

    Your turn: Are you dealing with thinning hair too? Tell me in the comments what you’ve tried and whether it helped. Your experience could help someone else.

    This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or a dermatologist before starting prescription treatments or supplements, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications.

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    About the Author

    Tom Green writes Well After 50, sharing practical ideas about skincare, fitness, wellness, and navigating life after 50. He’s also the author of A Practical Guide to Getting Older Without Giving Up on Yourself.

    Tom isn’t a doctor. He’s a man in his 60s sharing research, personal perspectives, and useful information to help readers make informed choices.

  • What Causes White Hair at an Early Age? 7 Things You Should Know

    What Causes White Hair at an Early Age? 7 Things You Should Know

    You look in the mirror one morning and notice another white hair.

    Then another.

    And maybe you start wondering: Why is my hair turning white already?

    For some people, gray or white hair starts showing up surprisingly early. For others, their natural hair color lasts well into middle age before the silver begins to appear.

    So what’s really going on?

    The short answer is that your hair is losing the pigment that gives it its color. But why that happens—and how early it happens—is more complicated.

    Genetics plays a major role, but research has also found connections with smoking, nutritional deficiencies, certain health conditions and possibly significant stress.

    And here’s something many people don’t realize: gray hair isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong with you.

    The short answer

    Early white hair is mostly genetic. If your parents went gray early, you probably will too. Smoking, low vitamin B12, thyroid problems and possibly serious stress can also play a part. In most cases, it can’t be reversed, and it isn’t a sign that anything is wrong with you.

    Researchers generally call graying “premature” when it starts before about age 20 in white people, 25 in Asian people and 30 in Black people.

    First, What’s Actually Happening to Your Hair?

    Your hair gets its natural color from a pigment called melanin.

    Specialized cells in the hair follicle produce that pigment. As those pigment-producing cells become less active or are lost, new hair grows in with less pigment.

    Eventually, it can appear gray, silver or white.

    The American Academy of Dermatology says hair commonly begins turning gray during the 30s and 40s, although the timing varies considerably from person to person.

    That’s why two people the same age can have completely different-looking hair. One might still have mostly dark hair while another might be almost completely silver. Neither is necessarily healthier than the other.

    1. Your Genes May Be the Biggest Reason

    If your parents or grandparents went gray early, there’s a good chance you may have inherited that tendency.

    Research has found a strong association between premature graying and a family history of early graying.

    So if you started noticing white hairs at 25 or 30 and your father did the same thing, genetics may provide a much better explanation than anything you did wrong.

    In other words, you may simply have inherited your hair’s timetable.

    2. Stress May Play a Bigger Role Than We Once Thought

    For generations, people have said that stress can turn someone’s hair gray.

    It sounded like an old wives’ tale.

    But scientists have found evidence that there may actually be something behind it.

    Research published in Nature found that acute stress can affect melanocyte stem cells—the cells involved in maintaining pigment in hair follicles. The study found that stress-related activation of the sympathetic nervous system could contribute to depletion of these cells and lead to hair graying in mice.

    That doesn’t mean one bad day is going to turn your hair white overnight. And much of the detailed mechanistic evidence comes from animal research.

    Still, it gives scientists a plausible biological explanation for why significant stress may contribute to premature graying.

    So the next time someone says, “Stress made me go gray,” there’s more science behind that statement than there used to be.

    3. Smoking May Speed Up the Process

    Here’s one that’s more concerning for your overall health anyway.

    Several studies have found an association between smoking and premature hair graying. Researchers believe oxidative stress and other effects of tobacco exposure may damage hair follicles and the cells involved in pigmentation.

    If you’re looking for another reason to quit smoking, protecting your hair color isn’t the most important one—but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

    4. Your Diet Can Matter—But Don’t Blame Every Gray Hair on a Vitamin Deficiency

    This is where things can get confusing.

    Some studies have found associations between premature graying and nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and folate and certain minerals.

    That doesn’t mean taking a handful of supplements will bring your natural hair color back.

    If genetics is responsible for your gray hair, taking extra vitamins isn’t likely to magically restore the pigment.

    But if premature graying occurs alongside an actual nutritional deficiency, correcting that deficiency may be important for your overall health and, in some cases, hair pigmentation.

    That’s why it’s better to find out whether a deficiency actually exists rather than randomly taking supplements marketed for gray hair.

    5. Certain Health Conditions Can Be Associated With Early Graying

    Premature graying has also been associated in research with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and some autoimmune conditions.

    This doesn’t mean gray hair automatically indicates a thyroid problem or another disease. Most people with gray hair don’t have some hidden medical condition causing it.

    But if your hair begins changing unusually quickly, particularly if you also have other unexplained symptoms, it’s reasonable to mention it to your doctor.

    A dermatologist or primary-care clinician can decide whether there’s a reason to investigate further.

    6. Gray Hair and White Hair Are Not Exactly the Same Thing

    Here’s a fun little hair fact.

    Hair doesn’t necessarily contain a special “gray” pigment.

    Instead, individual hairs can contain different amounts of melanin. Hair with less pigment can appear gray or silver, while hair with essentially no pigment can appear white.

    That’s why someone’s head can gradually shift from dark brown or black to a mixture of brown, gray, silver and white rather than changing colors all at once.

    7. Can You Actually Reverse White or Gray Hair?

    This is probably the question most people want answered.

    Usually, no.

    The American Academy of Dermatology says there currently aren’t effective medical treatments that reliably restore color to normal age- or genetics-related gray hair.

    There are occasional reports of hair repigmenting when an underlying health problem is treated or when certain stress-related factors change, but researchers are still trying to understand when and why this happens.

    So be skeptical of products promising to “reverse gray hair naturally” or restore your original color with a supplement.

    If someone tells you a bottle of pills can reliably turn gray hair back to its original color, the science isn’t there yet.

    What Can You Do If You’re Starting to Go Gray?

    You can’t control your genes, but you can take care of the things that are within your control.

    A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, adequate sleep, not smoking and managing stress are all sensible habits for your overall health—and may help support healthy hair as you age.

    Gentle hair care and protecting your hair and scalp from excessive sun exposure are also reasonable steps.

    But perhaps the biggest lesson is this:

    You don’t necessarily need to fight the gray.

    For many people, silver or white hair becomes part of their appearance—and there’s nothing unhealthy about that.

    How to Take Care of Silver and White Hair After 50

    If you’ve decided to stop fighting the gray, good for you. Silver hair can look fantastic, but it does behave a little differently, so it helps to treat it a little differently.

    • Expect a new texture. Gray hairs often feel coarser, drier or more wiry than the hair you had before. A good conditioner, used every time you wash, makes a big difference.
    • Fight the yellow. Sun, hard water, smoke and some styling products can give white hair a yellow tint. A purple or blue shampoo used once a week helps keep silver looking bright. Don’t overdo it, or it can leave a lavender tint.
    • Go easy on heat. Hot tools can yellow and dry out light hair. Use a lower setting and a heat-protection spray.
    • Protect it from the sun. A hat outdoors protects your hair and your scalp, which is easy to forget about as hair thins.
    • Get a good cut. A fresh, modern cut is what makes silver hair look intentional and stylish instead of “I just stopped dyeing it.”
    • Growing out color? A shorter cut, or blending highlights or lowlights with a stylist, can make the in-between months much easier.

    When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

    If you’re young and suddenly developing extensive gray or white hair, or if the change occurs along with other unexplained symptoms, bring it up with your doctor or dermatologist.

    They may consider whether nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, medications or another underlying condition could be contributing.

    You don’t need to panic over a few gray hairs. But if something seems unusual or happens very quickly, it’s worth asking about rather than assuming it’s simply aging.

    The Bottom Line

    Early white or gray hair isn’t caused by one single thing.

    Genetics is a major piece of the puzzle, while smoking, nutritional deficiencies, certain health conditions and possibly significant stress can also be involved.

    And if you’re 50+, there’s another way to look at those silver strands.

    They aren’t necessarily something that needs fixing.

    Sometimes they’re simply evidence that you’ve been around long enough to collect a little wisdom—and your hair decided to show it.

    If you’re considering embracing rather than covering gray or white hair, Katie Goes Platinum shares first-hand guidance on growing out natural gray hair and caring for it. It’s one person’s experience, but it can help readers explore the option before deciding what feels right for them.

    Common Questions

    Does stress really cause gray hair?

    Research suggests that significant stress can affect the cells involved in hair pigmentation, although much of the strongest mechanistic evidence comes from animal studies.

    Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause premature graying?

    Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with premature graying in research. If you suspect a deficiency, it’s better to discuss testing with a healthcare professional rather than taking large doses of supplements on your own.

    Can gray hair turn back to its original color?

    Occasional repigmentation has been reported, particularly when an underlying factor is addressed, but there is currently no reliable treatment that reverses ordinary age- or genetically related graying.

    Does plucking a gray hair cause more gray hairs?

    No. Plucking one gray hair doesn’t make neighboring hairs turn gray. However, repeatedly plucking hairs can damage the follicle and contribute to thinning, so cutting the hair or leaving it alone is a better choice.

    Is white hair a sign that you’re unhealthy?

    Not usually. Graying is a normal biological process. However, unusually early or rapid graying can sometimes be associated with nutritional deficiencies or certain medical conditions, so unusual changes are worth mentioning to a healthcare professional.

    How do I keep white hair from turning yellow?

    Use a purple or blue shampoo about once a week, protect your hair from sun and heat, and rinse out chlorine after swimming. Hard water and smoke can also add a yellow tint.

    Can you prevent gray hair?

    There is no guaranteed way to prevent genetically programmed graying. However, avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are sensible ways to support overall hair health.

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    About Tom Green

    Tom Green is the writer behind Well After 50, where he shares practical skincare, fitness, nutrition, wellness and healthy-aging ideas for life after 50.

    Sources

    Listen to Well After 50

    I also talk about practical health and aging topics on the Well After 50 with Thomas Green podcast. If you prefer to listen while walking, driving, or relaxing at home, find Well After 50 on Spotify and check the show for available episodes.

    Medical note: This article is for general informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you have sudden or unusually early hair changes, significant hair loss, or other unexplained symptoms, talk with your doctor or a qualified dermatologist.

  • What Color Hair Makes an Older Woman Look Younger?

    What Color Hair Makes an Older Woman Look Younger?

    If you’ve had the same hair color for 20 or 30 years, you may eventually notice something strange. The color that once made your face look bright and healthy doesn’t always have the same effect anymore.

    Your skin changes as you age. Your natural hair color changes. Gray appears. Hair can become finer or less dense. Even the amount of contrast between your hair and your face can change.

    So the question is a good one: What color hair makes an older woman look younger?

    The answer isn’t simply blonde, brunette, gray or red. The most flattering color is usually the one that adds some brightness and dimension without creating a harsh contrast with the face. And that can be different for every woman.

    Why Hair Color Can Change the Way Your Face Looks

    Hair surrounds your face, so it naturally affects how people see your complexion and facial features.

    Research has found that hair color and skin color work together in perceptions of age and appearance. One study found that lighter hair was associated with younger age judgments in participants, particularly among women with lighter skin, and that the relationship between hair and skin color mattered.

    Research on facial aging has also found that facial contrast tends to decrease with age. Changes in contrast can affect how young or old a face is perceived.

    That may help explain why some women feel that their old hair color suddenly looks “too harsh” or that their face looks washed out. It isn’t necessarily that the color is bad. It may simply no longer be working with the way your coloring has changed.

    So, What Hair Color Is Most Youthful?

    For many women over 50, the answer is a softer version of the color they already have, with some dimension around the face.

    • Soft blonde instead of very dark blonde
    • Caramel or honey highlights in brown hair
    • A softer brunette instead of almost-black brown
    • Dimensional auburn instead of a flat red
    • Blended silver instead of a dull, one-dimensional gray
    • A mixture of gray, silver and lighter pieces instead of fighting every new gray hair

    The goal isn’t necessarily to look younger. The goal is to make the face look brighter, healthier and more balanced. And sometimes that has a surprisingly youthful effect.

    1. Soft Blonde Can Brighten the Face

    Blonde can be particularly flattering when it isn’t too yellow, too gray or too stark. A softer blonde with some variation can reflect light around the face and keep the overall appearance from looking heavy.

    AARP’s hair-color guidance for older women discusses using silvery or golden highlights to blend gray and add light around the face.

    But going dramatically lighter isn’t automatically better. A very pale blonde can make some complexions look washed out. A good colorist can adjust the tone so the blonde works with the person’s natural coloring.

    2. Caramel and Honey Can Make Brown Hair Look Softer

    If you’re naturally brunette, you don’t have to become blonde to get a brighter appearance.

    Adding subtle caramel, honey or mocha tones can give brown hair more dimension. This can be especially useful when an old dark brown color has started looking flat or severe.

    Instead of coloring the entire head several shades lighter, a colorist can place lighter pieces around the face and throughout the hair. That creates movement without making the change look artificial.

    3. Don’t Automatically Go Darker

    This is one of the biggest mistakes women sometimes make when trying to cover gray. They go darker. Then darker again.

    Eventually the hair may be a very deep brown or almost black. That can create a strong contrast against the face. For some women it looks fantastic. For others, it can make the complexion look tired and draw attention to facial lines.

    That doesn’t mean dark hair makes every older woman look older. It means the amount of contrast matters.

    4. Gray Hair Can Absolutely Look Beautiful

    Gray isn’t automatically an “aging” hair color. A woman with beautiful silver or white hair can look incredibly striking.

    Some women’s natural gray comes in bright silver, platinum or white, while others develop a more steely or ashy gray that can drain warmth from the complexion. Highlights can sometimes add life and brightness.

    If you’re going gray, you don’t necessarily need to cover it. You may simply need to make the gray work better with your complexion.

    • A shorter, more modern cut
    • Silver-enhancing products
    • Strategic highlights
    • Better conditioning
    • Removing yellow or dull tones
    • Adding some dimension

    What About Red or Auburn?

    Red can be beautiful on an older woman, particularly when it works with her natural coloring. Softer shades such as auburn, cinnamon, copper and copper-brown can provide warmth without overwhelming the face.

    The important word is dimension. Hair that has several related tones generally looks more natural than a flat block of one color.

    The Hair Color Trick That May Matter More Than the Color

    You don’t necessarily need to change your entire hair color. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from what happens around your face.

    A few strategically placed lighter pieces can brighten the area around the eyes and cheeks. Fine highlights can create a softer, more natural transition than thick, obvious streaks.

    You can tell your stylist: “I don’t want to completely change my color. I just want something that brightens my face and looks natural.”

    What About Black Women and Women With Deeper Skin Tones?

    The same basic principle applies, but the actual color choices can be very different. Hair color should work with the individual’s complexion rather than following a one-size-fits-all rule.

    Deep brunette, espresso, warm brown, auburn, copper, honey highlights and even silver can all be beautiful depending on the person’s skin tone, natural hair and desired level of contrast.

    A Simple Way to Choose Your Color

    Before making a dramatic change, stand near a window in natural daylight and look at your current hair next to your face.

    • Does this color brighten my complexion?
    • Does it make my eyes stand out?
    • Does it make my skin look dull or yellow?
    • Does the color look harsh against my face?
    • Does my hair look flat, or does it have dimension?
    • Do I actually like it?

    Common Questions

    What hair color makes a woman 50+ look younger?
    There isn’t one best color for everyone. Shades that complement your natural skin tone and eye color—rather than looking too harsh or flat—can create a softer, more refreshed appearance.

    Does lighter hair make a woman 50+ look younger?
    It can, especially when the shade adds warmth and dimension around the face. But going dramatically lighter isn’t always necessary; the right tone matters more than simply choosing a lighter color.

    Can highlights make mature hair look younger?
    Yes. Subtle highlights, lowlights, or blended color can add dimension and help hair look more natural and vibrant.

    Should women 50+ go blonde to look younger?
    Not necessarily. Blonde can work beautifully for some women, while brunette, red, gray, or blended shades may be more flattering for others.

    What hair colors can make you look older?
    Very harsh, flat, or overly dark shades can sometimes emphasize contrast and make the complexion appear less vibrant. The effect depends on the individual.

    Is gray hair aging or can it look youthful?
    Gray hair itself doesn’t have to look aging. Well-maintained gray with a flattering cut and healthy shine can look modern, polished, and confident.

    How often should women 50+ color their hair?
    That depends on the type of color, how quickly your hair grows, and how much gray you’re covering. Coloring too frequently can be hard on the hair, so maintaining its condition is important.

    What should you consider before choosing a new hair color after 50?
    Consider your skin tone, natural hair color, amount of gray, hair condition, maintenance you want to handle, and whether the color makes you feel confident and comfortable.

    My Take

    I don’t think women over 50 need to chase a magic “youthful” hair color.

    What seems more useful is understanding how color interacts with your face. If your old color suddenly feels too harsh, try softening it. If your hair looks dull, try adding dimension. If gray is making your complexion look washed out, consider blending it rather than automatically covering everything.

    And if you love your natural gray? Keep it.

    There is no rule saying a woman has to look younger to look great. Sometimes the most flattering hair color isn’t the one that makes you look 10 years younger. It’s the one that makes you look bright, healthy, confident and completely comfortable in your own skin.

    This article is for general information and personal experience, not professional hair-color or medical advice.

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    About Tom Green

    Written by Tom Green, creator of Well After 50. Tom shares practical, straightforward ideas about skincare, fitness, nutrition, wellness and healthy aging after 50.